Container for filtering bone graft material

ABSTRACT

A filter device comprises a frame with interrupted perimeter having a top surface and a bottom surface and a screen having a plurality of pores attached to the frame. The filter device is designed to fit into an interior of a container. The container is configured to contain a mixture of demineralised bone matrix (DBM) containing bone graft material and liquid. The liquid mixture can be poured out of the container through the pores in the screen on the filter device and separated from the bone graft material while the DBM containing the bone graft material remains in the container. The pores are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent the DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/155,717, filed Jan. 22, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/272,189, filed Feb. 11, 2019, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/735,128, filed Jun. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,232,084, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/457,478, filed Apr. 26, 2012, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 61/479,378, filed Apr. 26, 2011, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirely herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to filter devices, and more specifically to a filter device which is dimensioned for use with a container for separating bone graft material from liquid mixture.

BACKGROUND

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure by which a new bone or a replacement material is placed into spaces between or around broken bone to aid in healing. Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) is often a component of a bone graft substitute which acts as an osteoconductive as well as osteoinductive material which is capable to improve the rate of new bone formation and to potentially reduce the risk and pain associated with the procedure.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, the filter comprises a frame with an interrupted perimeter and a screen attached to the frame. By way of example, the filter device comprises a split ring component and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a screen having a plurality of pores attached to one of the top and bottom surfaces. The filter device is configured to be inserted into and fit within the inner perimeter of a container. The container is configured to hold a mixture of bone graft material and liquid. The bone graft material includes Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) particles. The liquid in the mixture may be at least one of a cryoprotectant, water, saline solution or any other suitable wash solution. The frame is dimensioned to complement the interior of the container. The filter can be pushed down to the interior of the container until it rests against DBM containing bone graft material. After that, the liquid in the mixture can be poured off through the pores in the filter device while the DBM-containing bone graft material remains in the container. The pores are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent the DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid. For instance, pores may range in size from 50 micrometers to 150 micrometers. Optionally, the filter may be subsequently pulled up in and/or removed from the container and more liquid can be added to the bone graft material, then the filter can be pushed down and the liquid can be poured off again. Due to the presence of interrupted perimeter of the split ring the filter device is adaptable to changes in the circumference of the container as the position of the filter device is changed within the container. The filter device can be inserted into the interior circumference of the container and closed with a lid. The presence of the lid allows the DBM particles containing bone graft material to be securely placed inside the container during transportation.

Another embodiment of a filter device is designed in the form of a hollow container. The filter device comprises of a plurality of pores. The filter device is dimensioned to fit within a container, wherein the filter device and the interior of the container possess corresponding shapes. The container is configured to hold a mixture of bone graft material and the liquid. The filter device is hollow to allow the bone graft material and the liquid mixture to be placed inside the filter device, which is placed inside the container. When the filter device is removed from the container, the liquid will flow out of the plurality of pores and separate from the DBM-containing bone graft material which remains in the hollow interior of the filter device.

An alternative embodiment of a filter device is designed in the form of a lid for a container. The lid is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of a container. The filter device comprises of a screen having a plurality of pores. The container is configured to hold a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid. The plurality of pores are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid. The filter device also includes a vent for improving the flow of fluid into and out of the container when the filter device is in use. The liquid can be poured out of the container through the screen portion of the lid and the DBM-containing bone graft material is retained within the container. The liquid in the container may be at least one of a cryoprotectant, water, saline solution or any other suitable wash solution.

Another alternative embodiment of a filter device is designed in the form of a lid for a container. According to this embodiment, the lid is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of the container. The filter device comprises of a plurality of pores. The plurality of pores allows the liquid to be separated from the DBM-containing bone graft material by pouring the liquid out of the container while the filter device is held over the open end of the container.

Yet another embodiment of a filter device is designed in the form of a lid for a container. The lid is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of a container. The filter device comprises a screen made of mesh fabric with a plurality of pores. The container is configured to hold a mixture of bone graft material and liquid. The liquid can be poured out of the container through the screen of the lid while the DBM containing bone graft material is retained within the container.

Yet another alternative embodiment of a filter device is designed in the form of a mesh bag. The filter device is comprised wholly of mesh fabric having a plurality of pores. The filter device is dimensioned to fit inside a container. The filter device is hollow to allow the bone graft material and the liquid mixture to be placed inside the filter device, which is placed inside the container. When the filter device is removed from the container, the liquid mixture will flow out of the plurality of pores and thus get separated from the DBM-containing bone graft material which remains in the hollow interior of the filter device. The plurality of holes is sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid mixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a filter device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the filter device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the filter device according to an exemplary embodiment inserted into an interior of a container;

FIG. 1D is a top view of the filter device according to an exemplary embodiment inserted into the interior of the container;

FIG. 1E shows the filter device inserted into the interior of the container and closed with a lid;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter device;

FIG. 2B is a front view of another embodiment of the filter device;

FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a filter device;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the filter device;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the filter device in which the filter device;

FIG. 4A is a front view of another alternative embodiment of a filter device;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the filter device;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a filter device;

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of yet another embodiment of the filter device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a filter device; and

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for retaining bone graft material within a container utilizing the filter device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the filter device are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The systems disclosed herein boast a variety of inventive features and components that warrant patent protection, both individually and in combination.

The present description illustrates a filter device dimensioned to fit within a container of bone graft material and liquid mixture, wherein the bone graft material includes demineralized bone matrix (DBM). The filter device is configured to retain bone graft material and DBM and prevents the loss of DBM particles from the bone graft when the liquid is separated from the mixture.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A through 1E, an embodiment of a filter device 100 is illustrated. The filter device includes a frame 102 with an interrupted perimeter and having a top surface 106 and a bottom surface 108 and a screen 110 attached to the frame 102. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary embodiment of the filter device 100 comprises a frame in the form of a split ring 102. A screen 110 having a plurality of pores 112 is attached to the frame 102 on the bottom surface 108. It will be appreciated that the screen could alternatively be attached to the top surface 106 of the frame 102. FIGS. 1C and 1D show the exemplary embodiment of the filter device 100 inserted into an interior of a container 114. The container 114 is configured to hold a mixture of bone graft material and liquid (not shown). The bone graft material includes DBM particles. The liquid in the container 114 may be at least one of a cryoprotectant, water, saline solution or any other suitable bone graft storage or wash solution. The frame 102 is dimensioned to complement the interior of the container 114. The filter 100 can be pushed down to the interior of the container 114 until it rests against DBM containing bone graft material. Thereafter, the liquid mixture can be poured off through the pores 112 in the screen 110 and DBM containing the bone graft material remains in the container 114. The pores 112 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent the DBM particles from separated from the bone graft material with the liquid mixture. For instance, pores 112 may have varied sizes in a range from 50 micrometer-150 micrometer. Optionally, the filter 100 may be subsequently pulled up in or removed from the container 114 and more liquid can be added to the bone graft material, then the filter 100 can be pushed down and the liquid can be poured off again. Due to the presence of interrupted perimeter 104 of the split ring 102, the filter device 100 is adaptable to changes in the circumference of the container 114 as the portion of the filter device 100 is changed within the container 114. The position of the filter device 100 is changed within the container 114 due to the presence of any biocompatible material capable of plastically deforming to accommodate the circumference of the container 114. FIG. 1E shows the filter device 102 inserted into the interior circumference of the container 114 and closed with a lid 116. The presence of the lid 116 allows the Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) particles containing bone graft material to be securely placed inside the container 114 during transportation.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, another embodiment of a filter device 200 is designed in the form of a hollow container having a plurality of pores. The filter device 200 is dimensioned to fit within a container, wherein the filter device 200 and the container possess corresponding shapes. The filter device 200 is hollow to allow the bone graft material and the liquid mixture to be placed inside the filter device 200, which is placed inside the container. When the filter device 200 is removed from the container, the liquid mixture will flow out of the plurality of pores 202 and thus separate from the DBM containing bone graft material which remains in the hollow interior of the filter device 200. The plurality of pores 202 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid mixture. It will be appreciated that while shown in FIGS. 2A-2B as cylindrical, the filter device can be any shape corresponding to the shape of the interior of the container with which it is used.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, an alternative embodiment of a filter device 300 is designed in the form of a lid for a container. The filter device 300 in this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment described in FIG. 1A, except that the filter device 300 is designed in the form of a lid 302 for a container and also includes a vent 308 for improving the flow of fluid into and out of the container. Accordingly, the filter device 300 in this embodiment comprises of a screen 304 having a plurality of pores 306. The lid 302 is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of a container 310. The container 310 is configured to contain a mixture of bone graft material containing DBM and liquid (not shown). The plurality of pores 306 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material when the liquid is removed from the mixture. The filter device 300 also includes a vent 308 for improving the flow of fluid into and out of the container 310 when the filter device 300 is in use. The filter device 300 can be placed over the open end of the container 310. The liquid mixture can be poured out of the container 310 through the screen portion 304 of the lid 302 and the DBM containing bone graft material is retained within the container 310.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show another alternative embodiment of a filter device 400 designed in the form of a lid for a container. According to this embodiment, the lid 402 is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of the container as shown in FIG. 3C. The container as shown in FIG. 3C is configured to hold a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid. The filter device 400 comprises of a plurality of holes 404. The plurality of holes 404 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material when the liquid is removed. The plurality of holes 404 allow the liquid component to be separated from the DBM containing bone graft material by pouring the liquid out of the container while the filter device 400 is held over the open end of the container as shown in FIG. 3C.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, yet another embodiment of a filter device 500 is designed in the form of a lid for a container. The filter device 500 in this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment described in FIG. 1A, except that the filter device 500 comprises a screen with a plurality of pores. The filter device 500 comprises a screen 504 made of mesh fabric with plurality of pores 506. The lid 502 is dimensioned to be placed over the open end of a container, such as the one shown in FIG. 3C. The container as shown in FIG. 3C is configured to contain a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid. The plurality of pores 506 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid. The filter device 500 can be placed over the open end of the container as shown in FIG. 3C. The liquid mixture can be poured out of the container through the screen portion 504 of the lid 502.

FIG. 6 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a filter device 600 designed in the form of a mesh bag. The filter device 600 is made wholly of mesh fabric having a plurality of pores 602. The filter device 600 is dimensioned to fit in a container. The container is configured to hold a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid. The filter device 600 is hollow to allow the bone graft material and the liquid mixture to be placed inside the filter device, which is placed inside the container. When the filter device 600 is removed from the container, the liquid will flow out of the plurality of holes and separate from the DBM-containing bone graft material which remains in the hollow interior of the filter device 600. The plurality of holes 602 are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent DBM particles from being separated from the bone graft material with the liquid.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for retaining the DBM component of bone graft material within the bone graft material when separating the bone graft material from a liquid utilizing the filter device as shown in FIGS. 1A-1E. The method is initiated by providing a container of suitable shape as shown in block 700. Then a mixture of liquid and DBM-containing bone graft material is added to the container as indicated at block 702. A filter device having a plurality of pores is then placed inside said container as shown in block 704. Thereafter, the filter device is pushed down into said container as shown in block 706. Then the liquid is poured out of the container through the filter device as indicated at block 708. Upon separating the liquid from the bone graft material, the bone graft material, including the DBM component, is retained within the container 710.

According to alternative embodiments, the above described method may further include a wash step, wherein after the liquid is initially separated from the bone graft material, another liquid is added to the bone graft material and then poured off again through the filter. This wash step may be repeated as desired by the user. According to another embodiment, the method may compromise the steps of (1) providing a container, (2) adding a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid to the container, (3) placing a filter device having a plurality of pores in the form of a lid over an open end of the container, (4) pouring the liquid out of the container through the filter device, and (5) retaining the bone graft material, including the DBM component, inside the container. This alternative embodiment may also further include a wash step as described above.

According to yet another embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of (1) providing a container, (2) placing a hollow filter device having a plurality of pores inside said container, (3) adding a mixture of DBM-containing bone graft material and liquid to said container inside of said hollow filter device, (4) removing said hollow filter device from said container, (5) allowing liquid to separate from the bone graft material through the plurality of holes in the hollow filter device, and (6) retaining said bone graft material, including the DBM component, within said hollow filter device. This embodiment may optionally include a further steps of replacing the hollow filter device including the bone graft material in the container, adding another liquid to the bone graft material and then allowing the liquid to separate from the bone graft material by removing the hollow filter device from the container and allowing the liquid to flow through the plurality of pores in the filter device.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for separating a liquid and retaining a bone graft material from a mixture including the bone graft material and the liquid held therewithin, the container comprising: a filter device configured to move within the container, the filter device comprising: a compressible split-ring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an open gap extending through the upper and lower surfaces; and a screen comprising a plurality of pores, wherein a peripheral edge of the screen is configured to be sandwiched between the lower surface of the compressible split-ring frame and the mixture.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein each pore of the plurality of pores has a pore size between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the screen is disposed within the open gap of the compressible split-ring frame.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the screen extends in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the compressible split-ring frame.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the screen extends in a plane extending across the lower surface of the compressible split-ring frame.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the screen extends in the plane parallel to the lower surface of the compressible split-ring frame.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the compressible split-ring frame comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the first and second ends extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the compressible split-ring frame, wherein a space between the first and second ends defines the open gap.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the first end and the second end do not overlap with each other when viewed from above the upper surface of the compressible split-ring frame.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein the first end and the second end are substantially parallel to each other.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the compressible split-ring frame is configured to radially engage an inner circumference of the container.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the compressible split-ring frame comprises a biocompatible material and is adaptable to deform and to engage the inner circumference of the container.
 12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a lid positioned on and dimensioned to enclose an upper surface of the container.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein the liquid is selected from: a cryoprotectant, water, saline solution, and a combination of one or more thereof.
 14. The container of claim 1, wherein the bone graft material includes demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles.
 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the filter device is configured to move from a first elevated position to a second lowered position relative to the container, wherein in the second lowered position, the filter device rests against the bone graft material, and the screen is dimensioned to inhibit passage of the DBM particles while permitting the liquid to pass therethrough.
 16. The container of claim 14, wherein the pore size of each pore of the plurality of pores is smaller than a particle size of the DBM particles, thereby limiting separation of the DBM particles from the bone graft material.
 17. The container of claim 1, wherein the screen includes a central portion having a boundary defined by an inner perimeter of the lower surface of the compressible split-ring frame.
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein in a first configuration, the filter device is positioned at a lowered position relative to the container such that the screen contacts the mixture for filtering the liquid out of the container through the central portion of the screen; and in a second configuration, the filter device is positioned at an elevated position relative to the container after filtering the liquid out of the container.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein in a third configuration, the filter device is positioned at the lowered position after adding a second liquid to the bone graft material.
 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the second liquid is a washing liquid. 